The Effects Of Fossil Fuels On The Environment - 2213 Words

Fossil fuels are a major source of energy in America and throughout the world. The three major fossil fuels are oil, natural gas, and coal. While these three fossil fuels account for most of the energy used in most countries and they are able to provide energy for places around the world at a cheap price, they also account for things like pollution and the climate changes. Each of the fossil fuels has a long process to be prepared for consumer use that causes many environmental problems. The major draw to using fossil fuels is the money that they generate for the economy. Fossil fuels have made people’s lives easier and more dependent on technology. Accounting for most of the world’s source of energy is fossil fuels. These sources are†¦show more content†¦Instead of animals and plants under water, coal is made from plants that have died at the bottom of a swamp and have been pressed down by layers of soil and dirt (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2014). These processes are similar because they both include pressure being the source of the energy creation and the length of time being millions of years. The final nonrenewable source of energy is natural gas, which came about in a similar manner to oil and coal. It took the same length of time for natural gas to be formed, which is why all three of these are considered nonrenewable resources (Energy Explorer, 2004). Gas is formed from organic matter, such as plants, that were compressed by sand and dirt over millions of years (Energy Explorer, 2004). Since these processes are not able to be repeated, there is a limited supply of these resources. The process for removal of these resources differs, unlike the process of how they originated. They also come from various places, like in rocks and formations. Coal is generally found in the Midwest, especially in Missouri and Illinois (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2014). Coal mining, although it seems simple in principle, is actually a very complicated in-depth process that can cause serious injury and is disruptive to the environment. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (2014), a lot of the underground mining for coal occurs in the East. DueShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Fossil Fuels On The Environment1734 Words   |  7 PagesWhat we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to a point of no return, warns President Obama, â€Å"we are condemning future generations to global catastrophe.† The point of no return metaphorically represents the place in ones journey that must be continued with no alternative routes or ability to make change. In consort with President Obama, many scientists believe the point of no return could occur if significant efforts aren’t made soon. AnthropogenicRead MoreFossil Fuels And Its Effects On The Environment1175 Words   |  5 PagesFossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, are currently the world s primary energy source. Fossil fuels have powered economic growth worldwide since the industrial revolution, but they are nonrenewable resources and can severely damage the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels was responsible for 79 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. Although efficiency can help reduce emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels,Read MoreThe Effects Of Fossil Fuels On The Environment1252 Words   |  6 PagesAll over the world, people have been stuck on using fossil fuels. This addiction has been ongoing for the past century as the primary source of energy. Global usage o f fossil fuels which include oil, coal, and natural gas, is now producing mass amounts of greenhouse emissions within our atmosphere. Such a series of events have cascaded into changes that are currently effecting the earth on multiple levels. Several of these effects are, but are not limited to: earth’s sea levels rising every yearRead MoreThe Effects Of Fossil Fuels On The Environment933 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction The United States uses fossil fuels for 67.5% of its energy consumption. Fossil fuels have more negative impacts than positive ones. The only positive that comes from fossil fuels is that it can create energy. Most of the negative effects have to deal with the environment, like the most popular, burning coal for electricity. â€Å"Coal is used for about 43% of electricity generation in the U.S† (Coal and the Environment - Energy Explained, Your Guide To Understanding Energy - Energy InformationRead MoreFossil Fuels And Its Effects On The Environment2338 Words   |  10 PagesFossil fuels are finite resources that come from the earth, including sources such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal. All are used to generate electricity and power advanced industrial nations, but there is a lurking danger just under the skin of fossil fuel usage. In our homeland, the United States of America, it is obvious that all of us, in one form or another, use fossil fuels. Almost all of our ki ds, and their kids as well, will grow up in America and, like the current generation, use fossilRead MoreThe Effects Of Fossil Fuel Energy On The Environment And The Pocket987 Words   |  4 Pagesclimate changes and the effect of fossil fuel energy for not only being environmentally destructive, but also causing Global warming (the warming that occurs as a result of increase emissions of greenhouse gases) has become a very big issue worldwide. The fossil fuels (Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas) which is the main sources of the world’s energy sources, is also one of the main causes of the climate change. In addition with some human activities (e.g. through burning fossil fuels), they have contributedRead MoreFossil Fuels And Its Effects On The Environment And Climate856 Words   |  4 Pagesbeen the most successful species by far. We mold our environment to our benefit, and in doing so we discovered the potential that lay within our soil. Fossil fuels have provided us with easily accessible energy that can be mass produced. The overconsumption of these fuels has proved catastrophic to the environment and climate. We must use our ingenuity to create energy alternatives that are cleaner and renewable. Biofuels are plant based fuels that with a bit of more focus and refinement, can becomeRead MoreFossil Fuels And Their Impact On The Environment862 Words   |  4 PagesFossil Fuels and Their Impact on the Environment The amount of fossil fuels being deposited into the air should be controlled. Not only do fossil fuels pose a threat to the environment, but also to human health. The problem is not only noticeable in the depletion of human health, but also in the air, water, and land. Emissions are a concerning contribution to other problems such as global warming and greenhouse gases as well. One of the major factors of fossil fuels are vehicles. VehiclesRead MoreCompanies And Climate Change Case Study944 Words   |  4 Pageschange and its far-reaching business impacts.† Still using fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide in large amounts will have large effects on the Earth, if companies aren’t careful. The idea of global warming has been around in the United States for many years. In fact, climate change has had effects on people and the environment for a while, and it may continue. The companies use fossil fuels for energy to receive the positive business effects that they give. However, companies are already startingRead MoreSolar Energy : Solar Panels999 Words   |  4 Pageschanges and the effect of fossil fuel energy for not only being environmentally destructive but also causing Global warming (the warming that occurs as a result of increase emissions of greenhouse gases) has become a very big issue worldwide. The fossil fuels (Oil, Coal, and N atural Gas) which is the main sources of the world’s energy sources have negative natural emissions coupled with the human activities that change the atmosphere’s composition (e.g. through burning fossil fuels) have contributed